Argentina, title holder and whose squad has not changed much since 2022, will be the big favorite in a group J where Austria and Algeria should be in the fight for 2nd place.
Be careful, however, for the Albiceleste to enter the competition well so as not to complicate the task, four years after having been surprised – without consequences however – by Saudi Arabia for its Qatari WC debut.
Even if Austria and Algeria have arguments, Lionel Messi and his partners are therefore at least on their guard and will aim for first place in the group so as not to take the risk of meeting Spain or England in the round of 16. The Inter Miami player, who will celebrate his 39th birthday during the event, will still be in charge for his 6th World Cup, and a few young nuggets like Nico Paz or Valentin Barco will enrich an already very solid squad.
Hard blow for Austria
Austria, on the other hand, suffered a big blow with the last minute withdrawal of its playing master Christoph Baumgartner, author of 17 goals with Leipzig this season but injured in a thigh. Solid defensively in qualifying, with only four goals conceded in eight matches, they returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
With its coach Ralf Rangnick, Austria reached the round of 16 of Euro 2024, and it will try to climb beyond the first round for the first time since the 1982 World Cup.
Les Fennecs rêvent
The Fennecs, led by Vladimir Petkovic, hope to match the performance of 2014 and this round of 16 loss in overtime against Germany, future world champion.
Finally, Jordan, finalist of the 2023 Asian Cup and the last Arab Nations Cup, with an honorable defeat against Morocco (3-2 ap), will make its big debut on the world stage.
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